What 3 'unnecessary' items could you not leave home without?

So you are almost ready to go, and the rucksack is full to bursting with all those come in handy travel accessories.But, if you had to be mean and remove everything bar the minimum amount of clothing necessary (which would be a whole new topic in its own right) and your passport, small washkit, and first aid kit - what 3 items could you NOT bear to leave at home or travel without? And why?A special photo? A penknife? Wooly knitted monkey? Camera? A certain food - a taste of something familiar if you are ever at a low ebb? No matter how ridiculous or quirky they may be perceived to be by others, what are your top 3? After all, some may scoff, but then maybe they are missing out on something! Enlighten us!

1) Journal definitely tops the list.2) Playing cards.3) This isn't going to be a popular choice, but... my travel-size hair straightener. I have horrific hair (very curly, which gets frizzier as the day goes on) and it actually significantly cuts down on the total amount of effort I need to put into making myself halfway presentable.

-something that i might be embarassed to wear at home (legwarmers, beret hat, etc) for fun-a guide w/ restaurants, events to read on the plane and use as a reference/ideas, but not as a an actual 'guide'-lip balm/chap stick, whatever you call it. climate changes always make me chappy

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To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.

Journal, in my opinion, does not count as unnecessary. Ditto paper and pen. You go on these things so you have incredible things to remember. The journal is your nmemonic device. If you need an address, you need to write it down, paper. Although I havenÂ´t factored in total recall. So maybe, as usual, I am just a mouthpiece....

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